Feature
Marathons
K. Reiter
If you like running, then participating in a marathon might be just what you are looking for. Marathons are long races in which thousands of runners gather to run 26.2 miles. Running a marathon makes your heart stronger, improves circulation, and strengthens your muscles. It can also decrease stress. But how did this 26.2-mile race get started?
Thousands of runners participate in marathons.
The idea of a marathon was inspired by a legend of an ancient Greek messenger who raced from Marathon to Athens, which was about 25 miles. The messenger was sent to tell the news of a Greek victory over the Persians in 490 B.C. After making the announcement, he collapsed and died. To remember the messenger and his dramatic run, the distance of the 1896 Olympic marathon was set to 25 miles.
In 1908, when the games were held in London, Queen Alexandra requested that the race start of the lawn of Windsor Castle and finish in front of the royal box at the Olympic stadium. The distance between the two was 26.2 miles. In 1921, the length of the marathon was formally standardized at 26.2 miles.
Today, there are more than 1,100 marathons each year. The Boston Marathon, which began in 1897, is the world’s oldest annual marathon. However, females were not allowed to run in the race until 1972. Women were not allowed to run in the Olympic marathon until 1984. Today, close to half of the runners that participate in marathons are women.
Running a marathon takes time and commitment. Training should begin about three-four months before the race. A solid workout plan, good sleeping and eating habits, and a lot of sacrifice make one successful in a marathon. Once the goal has been achieved, you have the right to brag about your success.
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